Couple on a steam-powered flying machine, 19th century.

Description

Lithograph printed by Day & Haghe. It is titled 'Elopement Extraordinary, or Jack and his Lasie on a Matrimonial Excursion to the Moon, on the New aerial Machine', and shows a couple taking off riding a steam-powered rocket-like flying machine. As steam propulsion became more commonplace on the railways and, les succesfully, the roads, speculation began as to whether it might solve the problem of powered flight.